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MISSION
Maxx Force Hockey will develop and lead hockey players to excel and achieve their greatest potential through quality service, professional instruction and positive experiences
Mark Soares
Mark Soares
Owner & Lead Instructor | Maxx Force Hockey Development
Mark Soares is the Owner and Lead Instructor of Maxx Force Hockey Development, bringing elite-level playing and coaching experience to the next generation of athletes. He currently serves as a skills coach for the Vancouver Goldeneyes, SFU mens head coach 2023-2025 and also the 2022/2023 skills coach for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express.
Mark is one of only two players in Coquitlam Express history to have his jersey retired, alongside former NHL player and teammate Kyle Turris, with both jerseys hanging at Poirier Arena. He remains the organization’s all-time leader in points and games played.
His playing career is a testament to persistence, development, and high performance. Mark advanced from minor hockey to Junior A at just 16 years old, eventually helping lead his team to a Canadian National Championship. He earned full-ride scholarships to both NCAA Division I hockey (Bemidji State University) and U SPORTS (Lakehead University), where he graduated while continuing to excel on the ice.
Mark went on to play professional hockey in Europe, earning multiple awards, all-star selections, and recognition as a fan favorite. He also holds a Canadian university record for most consecutive goals scored in a single game.
Through every stage of his journey—from early development to elite competition—Mark has experienced the challenges, setbacks, and successes that shape high-level athletes. This perspective allows him to mentor players beyond just skill development, focusing on mindset, confidence, and long-term growth.
At Maxx Force Hockey, Mark’s mission is to give young athletes the tools, knowledge, and environment they need to reach their full potential—both on and off the ice—while continuing to uphold the tradition and excellence of Canadian hockey
Brian Stewart
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Lead Goalie Instructor
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Brian Stewart is a former Professional Hockey Player with over 22 years of experience as a goalie.
While achieving both his Master’s Degree in Sport Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, he was an accomplished goalie in the NCAA Div 1 at Northern Michigan University, where he was recognized as Team MVP 3 of the 4 seasons he played.
Following college, Brian went on to sign an NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers and from there played in the AHL, ECHL and professionally in Europe. While playing throughout North America and Internationally he continued to receive a plethora of accolades, including AHL Player of the Week, ECHL All Rookie Team Award, and Elite League Goalie of the Year.
Brian is now passionate about sharing the wealth of knowledge he has acquired throughout his extensive hockey career to guide and develop athletes from youth to a college and professional level.
Matthew Jung
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Instructor
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Matthew has played elite level hockey since a very young age and continues to work relentlessly
towards achieving his goals in hockey.
After representing Cloverdale Minor Hockey at the
level for many years, he spent two seasons in the British Columbia U18 League (formerly the
BCMML) with the Valley West Giants where was awarded the BCMML Hardest Worker Award
in 2018, followed by a Most Inspirational Player Team Award.
In his final season in the league,
he was honoured with a team leadership award, an accomplishment he still feels proud to have
earned.
The following season he signed with the Ridge Meadows Flames Junior B Hockey Club of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), following multiple seasons of being
an affiliate player dating back to his 15-year-old season.
In 2021, Matthew took his game south of the Border to the Fresno Monsters of the United States
Premier Hockey League (USPHL - Tier 3 Junior A League) after narrowly missing a roster spot in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, where he helped his team capture the Pacific Division Championship. This earned them a qualification to the USPHL National Championships.
For the upcoming season, his final in junior hockey, Matthew will continue his play at the junior A level in pursuit of a NCAA Division III scholarship.
His work with Mark and Maxx Force Hockey has been instrumental in elevating his hockey
development, his success on and off the ice, and growth as a leader. Matthew has a special ability
in understanding the needs of young hockey players and can closely relate to the challenges they
face. He knows what it takes to be successful and is passionate about his opportunity in helping
the next generation of young hockey players achieve their goals.
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Mitchell Wentzell
Lead Instructor
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Mitchell is full of passion and skill which comes from lifelong love for hockey. His journey began at the age of 5, when he laced up his first pair of skates and took to the ice.
Starting with a learn-to-skate program, he quickly honed his skills and found himself immersed in the local minor hockey league, where he excelled as a talented defense man.
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As Mitchell's dedication to the sport grew, so did his repertoire of skills. Throughout his high school years, he expanded his hockey experience, playing as both a left winger and center man. His versatility on the ice earned him a reputation as a dynamic player who could adapt to various positions, and his commitment to teamwork was commendable.
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Beyond his achievements on the ice, Mitchell had a passion for fitness and a desire to help others. This led him to pursue a minor education in fitness knowledge and strength training, laying the groundwork for his dream of becoming a personal trainer.
His ambition to blend his love for hockey with fitness and well-being drove him to seek out coaching opportunities.
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Fast forward to the present day, and Mitchell boasts an impressive 15 years of coaching experience. His expertise extends not only to teaching skating and hockey skills to aspiring players of all ages but also to coaching adults who share his enthusiasm for the sport.
His dedication to guiding and inspiring others in the world of hockey and fitness has left a positive impact on numerous individuals, both on and off the icev.
With a solid foundation in skating, hockey, fitness, and coaching, Mitchell's journey is a testament to the power of passion and hard work.
His commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve their goals continues to make him a valued and respected figure in the hockey community. Whether he's gliding effortlessly on the ice, sharing his knowledge with eager learners, or motivating individuals to embrace an active lifestyle, Mitchell's impact reaches far and wide, leaving a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
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Instructor
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Maxx Force Hockey is pleased to announce that Max Grassi will be joining the Maxx Force Hockey development team and will be an on ice leader with the next generation of hockey players.
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Mark has had the pleasure of playing along side of Max and winning an RBC Canadian Championship in 2006 and playing Professional hockey together in Germany,
where they would lead their team together.
Maxx Grassi started his hockey career a lot like Mark did at a young age working his way up to the Burnaby Express Jr A team and winning a Canadian Championship in his first year in the BCHL.
He went on to play for the Nanaimo Clippers, winning the Doyle Cup and becoming a BC champion with the team. He eventually became the Captain for the Penticton Vee's in the BCHL before heading to University to play for the UBC Thunderbirds receiving top player awards and graduating with a degree.
Max played in Weiden, Gammering, and Timmerdorfer in the German Leagues where he was top scorer for all three teams.
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Max also had the opportunity to represent Team Canada in the IIHF World Inline Hockey Championship where he was selected MVP in the gold medal game.
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Max Grassi shares the same passion for hockey as Mark Soares does and now they are all about giving back to young hockey players and sharing their talents and abilities with them so that they too may become successful.
Max Grassi
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Amraj Gill
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Instructor
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Amraj spent his minor hockey career playing triple A before making the jump to junior hockey at age 16.
Spending 2 years with the Surrey Knights, he would go on to lead defensemen in goals as well as points.
Amraj was selected for the PJHL rookie all star game both his years in Surrey, winning back to back.
The following year he played in the SIJHL with the Dryden Ice dogs where he would lead his D line in scoring again.
Amraj was awarded the team award for best Defensemen as well as league rookie of the year. After having a season cut short due to Covid, Amraj spent his final year of junior hockey in the MJHL where he would commit to play at the University of Concordia Wisconsin in the coming season.
Amraj was glad he had the opportunity to work with Mark during his transition into junior hockey and has really development over the years. He is working to one day play pro hockey after earning his degree.
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When Amraj is not training or playing hockey he spends his summers helping to give back to hockey working with kids on ice towards improving their skills and confidence.
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He is very knowledgable and and eager to teach the next generation of hockey players.
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